I palmed the rune stone in my hand, its blue glow illuminating the insides of the plane cabin as I once again tried to use it, only to fail like I had done until now.
Rune stones are quite interesting objects unique to this world.
They are a type of magic stone inscribed with strange markings that rarely drop from high-level monsters.
These miraculous things are able to give the ability held within them to any hunter who holds them. In short, they can give an already awakened Hunter additional skills.
That is why they are highly sought after and usually go for at least ten million dollars each, even though a hunter is basically gambling with the Rune Stone.
Rune Stones, by nature, cannot be categorized into ranks, and neither can anyone know what skill it holds until it is actually used.
The many incidents where powerful Hunters in the A-Rank and S-Rank bought Rune Stones at a high cost, only to end up with useless skills, are so abundant that nowadays, hunters of that caliber rarely invest in Rune Stones anymore.
However, like always, there are exceptions to this rule.
The Rune Stone in America that I was allowed to see after my meeting with the FBH, the CIA, and the International Hunters Association was one such exception.
Dropped by the dragon Kamish, the massive rune stone that the Americans keep hidden underground gave off so much mana that it is practically a guarantee that whatever skill it holds is extremely powerful.
Just like the one that now rests in my hand.
My action of wiping out an entire Rank S-Rank Dungeon Break was a calculated power move on my part. I knew that the only way I could get rid of the accusations of using backdoor means of becoming a National-rank hunter was by showcasing my power.
The various reactions and the subsequent dismissal of the lawsuit placed against me by the International Hunters Association proved that my tactic had worked.
What I did not expect was for a Rune Stone, a powerful one at that, to be dropped from the Crystal Golem boss monster of the Dungeon Break.
Just based on the mana fluctuations, it is clear to me that whatever skill exists within this stone is powerful enough to rival the skill held within Kamesh's Rune Stone.
The only problem is that I am unable to absorb this skill into myself as the other hunters can.
While I have no proof, I think that my nature as an Undead is to blame for this development.
The ringing of my phone brought me out of my thoughts as I picked it up, revealing Jinah's face on the video call.
"Uncle! How are things going over there? Please tell me we are not in debt again because you did something stupid and violated international Hunter laws?"
I could not help but snort at those words and give her an amused smile.
"Fortunately not. I think this call for a trial was mostly for show and a test for my new status. I am already done on my end and am already on my way back. I should be home within a few hours."
Jinah nodded her head happily at my words, but her face suddenly morphed with slight worry.
"That's good. But I am a little worried. Jinwoo is not home yet."
"…What is the time over there?"
"It's the middle of the night."
That does not bode well.
I felt my worry rise, but I squashed it ruthlessly and chose to trust my nephew to take care of himself.
Besides, he might be on some strange quest from that system of his, so he might have been held up.
….Man, what a strange life that something as bizarre as a 'System' has become a common thing for me?
"Well, don't worry too much. He is stronger than before, remember?"
"…Yeah, you are right. Putting that aside, you said you would be back in a few hours, right? By what time will you be back?"
"….Why? What are you trying to hide?"
Jinah nervously shifted on the call and avoided meeting my gaze.
Now, why would she be like that? There are very few things that Jinah doesn't talk to me about-Oh!
I grinned as her face took on a resigned look, knowing that I had caught onto what she was trying to hide.
"Tomorrow is the meeting with your teachers, right?"
"….Yeah. I was hoping Jinwoo would visit instead of you."
"Sung Jinah! I am hurt! Do you really hate me so much that you don't even want me to be seen at your school?"
The flat stare from her told me that my melodramatic acting did not work.
Damn! She's becoming immune to my actions!
"This is exactly why I don't want you around my school. If my friends and teachers see this unserious side of you, all the fantasies and images that they made in their minds of the 'Only National Rank hunter in Korea' will evaporate like water in the desert. That, and you always embarrass me in front of my teachers!"
"Hey! As your Guardian, it is my solemn duty to embarrass you in front of others! It is my right, and you cannot take that away from me!!"
"Shut up! I am going to sleep!!"
Jinah fumed and cut off the call, making me laugh.
Knowing that I managed to make her smile and helped her forget her worry for Jinwoo, I put away my phone with satisfaction.
I guess I should get some rest before we land, since I will need my mental strength to deal with whatever mess Jinah made in her school in her single-minded pursuit of academic excellence.
….That reminds me, I might need to pick up a good suit since this will be my first visit to her school, not as her uncle but as a National-Rank hunter.
But that can wait for later. First, I need to get some rest.
I put away the Rune Stone into my Bottomless Box and leaned into the seat of the private jet assigned to me by the International Hunters Association.
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Author Notes: Read 5 chapters ahead on Patreon: patreon.com/Ruijard1